GIRLS from Hartford School of Gymnastics contributed to gold-medal success for their county team at the North West Grades Finals.

Philippa Meachin, Rhea Carless and Ella Gaskill were selected to compete at Wigan as a reward for their performances at the Cheshire and Merseyside competition.

“I couldn’t be more proud of all three – they’re amazing,” said coach Michelle Oakes.

“They showed off high-scoring routines and helped their teams to finish first overall – the gold medals are a worthy reward.”

Philippa, making her debut in a Cheshire and Merseyside team alongside more experienced gymnasts, scored fifth-highest on beam of the grade three entries.

She completed clean routines on the other apparatus.

Rhea was able to call on previous experience with the county squad, sharing the second-best score on vault and third on uneven bars in her class (grade two).

She recovered from wobbles on balance beam and during her floor routine before nailing a handstand during the range and conditioning exercise to finish on a high.

Ella had suffered from illness in the run-up, but was determined to make her debut and competed alongside Rhea.

Four of her five apparatus scores were part of Cheshire and Merseyside’s total, including a share of third place on uneven bars and fifth on beam.

They were both joined by Kerry Gillies, from Wincham, who took the all-around title at grade two after posting the best scores on vault, floor and in the range and conditioning exercise.

She currently trains at Gymfinity Gymnastics in Knutsford.